WHO: Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D-Md., a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (aka Card Check)
WHAT: Cardin received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $5,000 in 2006 election cycle. The Boilermakers Union (PAC) $1,000 in 2008 election cycle; $2,000 in 2006 election cycle. The American Federation of Government Employees $10,000 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $5,000 in 2008 election cycle; $8,500 in 2006 election cycle. The Service Employees International Union (PAC) $5,000 in 2006 election cycle. United Steelworkers of America (PAC) $5,000 in 2006 election cycle.
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WHY IT’S DIRTY: Multiple officers and members of these unions, including division presidents, secretary-treasurers and business managers, have been convicted since 2001 of felonies ranging from embezzlement, falsifying official reports to government, mail fraud and conspiracy. The Communication Workers of America and the American Federation of Government Employees have had at least 8 members convicted, The Service Employees International Union has had at least nine convictions, the Boilermakers have had at least 10 members convicted, while the IBEW has had at least 14. The United Steelworkers of America, which includes Paper, Allied-Industrial Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (PACE) has had at least 30 convictions among its membership. The amounts of embezzled funds range from over $5,000 to over $100,000.
WILL CARDIN GIVE IT BACK: Sen. Cardin responded to The Examiner as follows: “I am proud to have the support of working men and women who are union members. While I am saddened by the individual actions cited, I am confident that these isolated incidents are not a reflection of national unions or unions in Maryland.”
THE SCORE: Number of Democrats who have given it back: 0
Number of Republicans who have given it back: 0
YOUR TURN: You can reach Cardin’s Washington D.C. office at 202-224-4524
Dirty Money is researched and written by Kevin Mooney of The Washington Examiner’s commentary staff.
